Curatorial note

The lid is enriched with ivy leaves and berries in a continuous wreath. On the side which faces into the dome area a Cupid with a rudder or paddle, emblematic of a sea divinity, rides right on a Sea Bull, facing a similar figure, with emblem broken, on a Hippocamp; there is a trident (symbol of Neptune, God of the Sea) between them. On the opposite side, a Cupid holding Hercules' club (?) on a Sea Griffin faces a similar Cupid as the God Mercury, on a Sea Ram, with another trident between them. The body of the vase is fluted to simulate bronze, and the bottom of the bowl has flat, overlapping acanthus leaves springing from the underside.

All content on the Sir John Soane’s Museum website copyright belongs to the trustees of Sir John Soane’s Museum.

Material
may be reproduced free of charge in any format or medium for research,
private study or for internal circulation within an educational
organisation (such as schools, colleges and universities). This is
subject to the material being reproduced accurately and not used in a
misleading context or altered format (such as stretched, compressed,
coloured or altered in any way so as to distort its original format). To obtain a low resolution jpg image right click on the image and select either 'save as' or 'copy'. To obtain a higher resolution image for non-commercial purposes please apply using the Commercial Use form referenced below.

We also offer a selection of images from the Museum's collection for print on demand through our image licensee partners:

Bridgeman Images - founded in 1972 they aim to make the best of the world's art available for reproduction while supporting museums, artists and collections.

King and McGaw - established in 1982 they believe that everyone should be able to own inspiring art, which is why they work hard to bring their customers an unrivaled collection of artworks and framed prints.

Surface View - their vast image collection began searching through Sanders of Oxford's vintage etchings and prints. They now have a selection of our floral designs for silks and the Adam brothers' architectural drawings available as prints, canvases and wall murals.

Filming and photography are not allowed in Sir John Soane’s Museum unless prior permission is given. To arrange a professional filming or photography for commercial use please contact:picturelibrary@soane.org.uk

All profits made through our picture library and print on demand partners help support the continued work conducted by the Museum.